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Cozy Slow Cooker Chili for a Halloween Potluck

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This hearty, smoky slow cooker chili is perfect for Halloween potlucks or cozy autumn dinners. With a secret touch of cocoa powder for richness, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Green onions, sliced (for serving)
  • Cornbread or tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), cocoa powder, salt, and pepper over the beef and onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Transfer to the slow cooker: Dump the beef mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, drained kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For best flavor, cook on low.
  6. Taste and adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the chili and adjust seasoning with more salt, cayenne, or a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, and serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for two more cans of beans and use vegetable broth. The chili tastes even better the next day. If too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, Halloween chili, potluck chili, beef chili, easy chili, cozy chili

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/cozy-slow-cooker-chili-for-a-halloween-potluck/